THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Thinking we know all the answers, yet wondering if we haven’t missed something;
People: we enter this sanctuary of Truth.
Leader: In the company of sinners, in cahoots with saints:
People: we gather as God’s people.
Leader: Standing by folks of deep, abiding faith; seated with those who stumble through the kingdom:
People: we lift our praise to God.

*HYMN No. 455 All Creatures of Our God and King

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: It’s very simple: all God asks is that we recognize our sin and acknowledge it. And why? When we offer our prayers of confession, God takes them from us and fills our hearts with such an abundance of mercy, we cannot hold it all. Please join me as we pray together, saying,
People: God our God: we fill our souls with the empty sounds of our culture, and wonder why we are so empty when we need words of hope, of grace, of comfort. We are careful to follow the prescriptions our doctors give us, yet pay little heed to your hopes for us. We puff out our chests over what good people we are, yet do not notice how our pride trips those who seek to follow Jesus. Forgive us, Holy One, and be gracious to us: astound us with your words so we may learn your ways; nourish us with your mercy, so we may be filled with life; enter our empty souls, till they overflow with praise for your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Of all the astounding works of God, this may be the most wonderful: God is gracious and merciful – to us.
People: What has this to do with us? Everything! What is this? Good news, of the very best kind! We are forgiven. We give thanks to our God with all our hearts. Amen (Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary Time, 4-B)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

ANTHEM Where Can We Find Peace? by the Adult Choir

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 482 Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE Psalm 111 Old Testament Page 562 in pew Bible

SERMON
Do You Know Your ABCs?
by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 539 Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

*Please Stand
_____________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Sharon, SC and it’s 230 members.

HOPE OF LANCASTER COUNTY
January is one of our months to provide food for HOPE. Needs include: 5 lb. bags of flour, sugar and cornmeal, evaporated milk, grits, jelly, rice and peanut butter

ATTENTION LADIES: If you plan to attend the annual Montreat Weekend (Sept. 21-23) room deposits for the first night need to be paid this week. Please mail your check for $34.00 payable to Presbyterian Women to Lynne Jones, 8128 Van Wyck Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS:
In memory of Al Williams given by Pat Oglesby
In memory of Dillon Denton given by Pat Oglesby
In memory of Eddie Brunson given by Pat Oglesby
Dimes for Hunger – In memory of Al Williams given by Barbara Kurz
Youth Activities Fund – In memory of Al Williams given by Glenda and Henry Manus
Tree Fund – In memory of Al Williams given by Jim and Jane Massey

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan

HYMNS by Janesta Williams, Organist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Pecking away at our computers, idling in Charlotte traffic:
People: we wait for you, God of all words, to speak to us.
Leader: Pacing the halls of a hospital,
Sitting outside the principal’s office:
People: we wait for you, God of comfort, to fill us with hope.
Leader: In the silence of each night, beginning each day’s new journey:
People: we wait for you, Steadfast Love, for you are our safe place.

*HYMN No. 420 God of Grace and God of Glory

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: God of procrastinating prophets, we can spend so much time waiting for the perfect moment, that we might miss the chance to help another. We may worry so much about saying the right thing, that we say nothing to encourage a person who needs such words. We may be so wrapped up in dealing with the stresses of life, that we have no time to deal with your hopes and dreams for us.
People: Forgive us, God of second chances. By your grace, we can hear your words of compassion and forgiveness; by your mercy, we can place our feet back on the path of discipleship; by your love we are welcomed as your children by our Brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: If we drop our nets of earthly distractions, God holds out in front of us the possibility of discipleship.
People: We will lay aside all the fears and doubts, all the worries and resistance, so we can follow Jesus, trusting always in the One who forgives us, in this moment, and all the moments to come. (adapted from Lectionary Liturgies, Third Sunday of Epiphany B; Call to Worship, Year B, Vol. 45:1)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 388 O Jesus, I Have Promised
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE Mark 1:14-20 New Testament Page 35 in pew Bible

SERMON
HAS THE KINGDOM OF GOD COME NEAR YOU?
by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

OFFERTORY by Charles Moss, Pianist

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 145 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE by Rob Johns, Pianist

*Please Stand

____________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Wade Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, SC and it’s 29 members.

HOPE OF LANCASTER COUNTY
January is one of our months to provide food for HOPE. Needs include: 5 lb. bags of flour, sugar and cornmeal, evaporated milk, grits, jelly, rice and peanut butter

ALEX’S NEW ADDRESS:
Alex Sims, Uni-Health, Room 106, 261 South Herlong Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29732

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Young or old, slow or fast; tall or small, know-it-alls or eager learners:
People: Wonder of wonders! God has called each of us here.
Leader: Wrinkled, white-haired, stooped with age; bright-eyed, smooth skinned, leapers of two steps at a time:
People: Wonder of wonders! Each of us is made in God’s image.
Leader: Parents volunteering at school, kids playing tag, workers stocking shelves, retirees planning a trip:
People: Wonder of wonder! God works through each of us.

*HYMN No. 522 Lord, When I Came Into This Life

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: We break our word – God knows; we hurt another – God knows; we ignore the needy – God knows. God also knows the sins we try to hide, even from ourselves. Let us confess to the One who has called us and will make us whole.
People: How foolish we are to think we can hide our failings from you, Seeing God. We treat our bodies as trash cans for junk food, not as sanctuaries for your Spirit. We doze under the tree of temptation, hoping you won’t see us and expect us to get up and follow Jesus. Forgive us, our heart’s only Hope. Your grace mends our brokenness, making us whole; your compassion removes our sin, making us new; your voice speaks tenderly to us, silencing our pride; your Love is made human in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, redeeming our lives. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: In front of us, behind us, to our right, to our left: look! God is there! In our past, beside us today, waiting in the future: look! God is there! In the shadows, in the light: look! God is there!
People: From the top of the mountains, to the bottom of the seas; in the morning, in the evening, in every moment: God is with us! Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Lectionary Liturgies, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time-B)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 426 Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE John 1:43-51 New Testament pages 92-93 in pew Bible

SERMON
CALLED TO BE YOUR DISCIPLES: ANNETTE,GLENDA,HAYDEE AND AL
by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

* THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

SERVICE OF ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 525 Here I Am, Lord

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

* Please Stand

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service for a reception welcoming our new elders.

________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we and the other churches in Providence Presbytery will be remembering our church and our 100 members.

HOPE OF LANCASTER COUNTY
January is one of our months to provide food. Needs include:
5 lb bags of flour, sugar & cornmeal
Evaporated Milk, Grits, Jelly, Rice, Peanut Butter

THANKS VERY MUCH to Camille Dunlap for playing the piano for our worship service this morning.

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan

To My Church Family,
There are no appropriate words to express my thankfulness for all you have done for me and my family during the loss of my precious Al.
Your prayers, visits, phone calls, flowers, food, cards and many acts of kindness helped me to make it this far. To all who have so faithfully helped with the church music, a special thanks to you also. I have a long road to travel before I can recover from the loss of the love of my life!
Please continue to remember me in your prayers as I struggle with my grief and adjustment to a different life.
I am truly blessed to have you as my church family. May God bless each of you.
Love, Janesta

My sincere appreciation is extended to each of you for the prayers, support and love given to me over the past few weeks. It is impossible to list all the many acts of kindness such as cards, phone calls, visits to hospital and home and meals – and the list goes on and on. I am healing and hope to be back on my feet before too much longer.
Knowing we have a caring church family has been a blessing to Janesta and me. Although we have a way to go, we could not have made it this far without you. Many, many thanks! Wishing you a New Year full of happiness and good health!
With appreciation and love, Claudia

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS:
Given in memory of Al Williams by
Jeff, Rosemary, Zachary & Savannah Bean
Sandra C. Catoe
Toni Rush Faulkenberry
J. Kenneth Hill
John & Margaret Rhodes
Van Wyck Woman’s Club
George & Eloise Williams

Tree Fund Memorial Gift
Given in memory of Joseph K. Bath, II by Betty D. Bath

ALEX’S NEW ADDRESS:
Alex Sims
Uni-Health
Room 106
261 South Herlong Ave.
Rock Hill SC 29732

PRELUDE by Feliste Ellis, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: On that first day, when time began:
People: you gave birth to creation; light danced through the darkness; the waters of hope flowed free and clear.
Leader: On that first day at the Jordan, when redemption began:
People: you spoke of life for all your children, as your Child stepped into the waters of forgiveness, dancing in hope with his cousin, John.
Leader: On this first day of the week, when we begin anew:
People: you call us to faithfulness, as we open our hearts to you, your voice claiming us as your own.

*HYMN No. 275 God of Our Life

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: You and I are now the ones who step forth out of the safe waters of baptism, to bring hope, to share a word of grace, to carry healing into the brokenness of the lives around us.
Let us confess how we still struggle to follow in faith wherever Jesus leads us. Join me as we pray, saying, People: Timeless God, you cast Light into sin’s dark places and call us your Beloved. Forgive us: when we still linger in the shadows; when we treat others in hurtful ways; when we speak ill of your friends. As he knelt in the waters of Jordan, you proclaimed Jesus as your Child, pointing to him as the way to you.
Forgive us: when we put ourselves ahead of him; when we think he is no longer needed; when we fail to see him in the broken of our world. Baptized and blessed in your living waters, you would have us be your servants in our time. Forgive us: when we fail to welcome the stranger; when we refuse to forgive as we should; when we believe we are too good to kneel down and tie the shoes of the lost, the least, the last, the little. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Touched by the waters of life, fed at the feast of grace and hope, embraced in the warmth of God’s love and hopes – this is good news for all of us!
People: Blessed by baptism’s tears, called to servanthood by the Beloved, filled with the peace of the Spirit, we are indeed God’s people – redeemed, restored, refreshed to serve. Thanks be to God! Amen. (Lectionary Liturgies, Baptism of the Lord-B)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 520 Here, O Our Lord, We See You Face to Face
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE Acts 19:1-7 New Testament page 139 in pew Bible

SERMON
KEEPING RESOLUTIONS by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

* THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PASTORAL PRAYER

*THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

THE EUCHARIST
Invitation
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord’s Prayer
Communion of the People
Prayer after Communion

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 511 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

* Please Stand
_________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS:
Donations in memory of Al Williams were given by:
James & Priscilla Bowers
John & Shirley Cauthen
Arthur & Sheila Collins
Frances B. Collins
Jan Duke
George & Cecile Flanders
Jeannie H. Langley
Doris H. Miller
D. Lindsay Pettus
Aaron W. (Ronny) Rentz, III
Norman & Carolyn Taylor
Marie Welpe
Bob & Sis Yoder

TREE FUND:
Special Donation given by Claudia Thompson
Special Donation given by Janesta Williams

THANK YOU VERY MUCH to Feliste Ellis for playing the piano for our Worship Service again today.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AS WE BEGIN A NEW YEAR:
In his sermon last Sunday Randy referred to a book entitled “Top Five Regrets of the Dying” by Bonnie Ware, who worked in palliative care for many years.
The regrets are as follows:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I had not worked so hard (men said this).
3. I wish I had, had the courage to express by feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I had let myself be happier – doing things that interested me where I could feel creative.

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan

PRELUDE by Feliste Ellis, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come,
People: and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

*HYMN No. 56 The First Nowell

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: Will this year be a time of new life, new ways for us – or will we continue to live the same old way? Let us confess to our God our failures, as well as our hopes, as we begin this year.
People: We admit that we always find the time to fill our stomachs, God of every moment, but not our souls. We spend hours watching television, but not the wonders of your creation. We arrange outings with our friends, yet ignore your invitation to sit and talk. We make resolutions to change every aspect of our lives, except for that which pertains to you. Forgive us, God of Glory, and make us new. In the moments to come this year, remind us that if there is a time for everything, then we do have those moments for grace, for hope, for joy, for a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: It’s over – last year is gone. Our words, our thoughts, our deeds are in the past. Today, we begin anew. Today, and every day, God offers us life and hope.
People: Here, now, forever – we are forgiven and healed. This year, let us live as such people. Thanks be to God. Amen. (Lectionary Liturgies, New Year’s, Christmas 2)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 66 We Three Kings of Orient Are
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

READINGS
And the city has no need of sun or moon on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The Nations will walk by its light, and the kings [rulers] of the earth will bring their glory into it. Revelation 21: 23-24 (NRSV)
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60: 1-6 (NRSV)

PRAYER FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Leader: O Finality. O final Light. O luminous One,
People: outshining lamp, stars and sun.
Leader: O End of Night. O Day’s Light without ending. O Light, all light,
People: outshining lamp, stars and sun.
Leader: Break forth, O heavenly Light, and reign to the ages of ages. Shine forever and let no more greed or hatred near. Illumine and save all creation,
People: outshining lamp, stars and sun.
Leader: O Light, we shall see face to face. O Radiancy, we shall ever bear upon our foreheads. O Splendor of Love, the world of greed and hatred ending,
People: outshining lamp, stars and sun.
(The United Methodist Book of Worship, p. 269)

SCRIPTURE Matthew 25:31-46 New Testament pages 29 in pew Bible

SERMON
HOW DID WE SPEND OUR LIVES? by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

* THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*CLOSING HYMN No. 23 Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine† ; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
CHORUS written by Robert Burns

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

* Please Stand
________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Union First Presbyterian Church in Union, SC and its 193 members.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH to Feliste Ellis for playing the piano for our Worship Service this morning.

WELCOME to the newest member of our church family. Benjamin Graham Stephany was born yesterday. He is the son of Ron and Amanda Stephany and the little brother of Caroline Stephany.

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS:
Donations in memory of Al Williams were given by:
Wilma Belk
Mike & Susan Brown
Louise Brunson
Jenners Pond, Inc.
Jay & Lynne Jones
Dr. & Mrs. Arthur J. Novick
Karl & Melanie Sublett
Claudia Thompson
Charles & Martha Walden

TREE FUND:
A donation was given in honor of Randy and Kay McSpadden by Richard and Linda Vaughan.

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan

PRELUDE by Rob Johns, Pianist

HYMNS by David Cook, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Shirley Cauthen, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Wonder of wonders, God has come to us!
People: Not as a judge, but a Savior, not in power, but as a servant.
Leader: Wonder of wonders, God comes to us!
People: Not in silence, but in the Word made flesh; not in the shadows, but bringing Light.
Leader: Wonder of wonders! People: God is with us!

*HYMN No. 38 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: God became one of us, so that we could see the face of love, hear the voice of peace, be touched by the hand of grace, know the heart of mercy. God comes to us, offering us forgiveness and peace. Please join with me as we pray together, saying,
People: You came in weakness, Mighty God: forgive our grasping for power. You came in humility, Prince of Peace: forgive us for wanting more than others. You came in poverty, Everlasting One: forgive us when we do not see members of your family sleeping on the streets in downtown Charlotte. You came in gentleness, Wonderful Counselor: forgive us for the anger we speak and the pain we cause. Child of Bethlehem, be born in us today: forgive us, heal us, make us new; then we will join the angels in singing your praises this Christmas Day and all the days to come. Amen

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Break forth into singing, children of God: for the Babe comes to comfort us, like a mother rocking her son to sleep, like a father wiping away the tears of his daughter.
People: (sung) Joy to the Word, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
(Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas Day-B)

*GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 31 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1-20 New Testament pages 58 in pew Bible

SERMON – PRESENTS, FEASTS, AND FAMILY by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

* THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*CLOSING HYMN No. 23 Angels We Have Heard on High

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE by Rob Johns

* Please Stand

PRELUDE by Rob Johns, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Tommy Broome, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Let us go, just as we are, to see what has happened. let us go with the shepherds:
People: let us go and find the One of whom the angels sang.
Leader: Let us go with those who are wise:
People: let us go and find the One who brings God’s truth to us.
Leader: Let us go with the poor in spirit, and in flesh; let us go with those who are humbled by life:
People: Let us find the Glory of God born in a stable, and placed in a feeding trough.
Leader: Let us go with our friends and family, let us go with our neighbors and with strangers, let us go with all the children of God:
People: let us go to find the One who comes to lead us home to God’s kingdom.
Leader: O come, let us go to the Babe of Bethlehem; O come, let us adore him!
People: Christ our Lord!
(Lectionary Liturgies, Dr. Thom Shuman)

Van Wyck Presbyterian Church’s 2011 Christmas Pageant
“Behold Your King”
Order of Appearance
Prophet #1–Carson Helms (Malachai)
Prophet #2–Andrew Duffell-Hoffman (Isaiah)
Prophet #3–Christian Moss (Isaiah)
Prophet # 4–Genevieve Cook (Micah)
Narrator–Chloe Cook
Gabriel–Michael Duffell-Hoffman
Mary–Emily Helms
Elizabeth–Mary Rose Mace
Joseph–Zachary Bean
Shepherd #1–Matthew Duffell-Hoffman
Shepherd #2–Andrew Duffell-Hoffman
Shepherds’ Angel–Genevieve Cook
Holy Company of Angels–Rachel Graham, Mary Hope Gibson, Virginia Carol Gibson
Magi #1–Matthew Duffell-Hoffman
Magi #2–Andrew Duffell-Hoffman
Magi #3–Carson Helms
King Herod–Jesse Mace
Herod’s Priest–Christian Moss
Simeon–Randy McSpadden
Writer-Chloe Cook
Vocalists–Savannah Bean, Mark Denton
Musicians–Rob Jones, Charles Moss, Genevieve Cook, Chloe Cook, David Cook
Catering Services–Krista Cook
Editor–Pat Oglesby
Production Assistants–Bob and Jennifer Duffell-Hoffman; Charles Moss, Meghan Mace
Director–David Cook

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH by The Stephany Family

LIGHT FOUR CANDLES
Light four candles. May they ever glow. Prophets said to Israel,
“For a virgin will birth us a son to be named Immanuel.
He is from the house of David knowing wrong, but choosing right.”
Light four candles. Let them brightly burn for the Son is God’s delight.

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

OFFERTORY Charles Moss

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*CLOSING HYMN No. 28 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Accompanied by David Cook

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE by Rob Johns

* Please Stand
______________________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Tirzah Presbyterian Church in York, SC and its 158 members.

*PLEASE NOTE that we will not have Sunday School next Sunday.

GREETERS AND USHERS: Jeff and RoseMary Bean

PRELUDE Away in a Manger by the Youth Handbell Choir

HYMNS
Camille Dunlap, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Tommy Broome, Liturgist

TOMORROW MORNING
Rev. Randy McSpadden

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Here, in this place, we discover the great things God has done.
People: In story and song, in silence and sacrament, we are reminded that God’s relationship with us lasts forever.
Leader: Here, with these people, we find our true home.
People: where we can run home laughing, after being lost for so long.
Leader: Here, during this holy season, we hear those promises made so long ago.
People: Of the One who repairs all our mistakes, of the One who reshapes our brokenness.

*HYMN No. 23 Angels, We Have Heard on High

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: Hope, joy, forgiveness, life – these are the gifts God offers to us in this season of preparation and anticipation. But too often, we put God’s love to the test, with our foolish behavior and unwise choices. Let us confess, out loud and in silence, the lives we lead, praying,
People: Anointer of righteousness: you whisper songs about mercy to us, but we would rather rejoice in another’s misery. When we would dam off the Spirit with our shoulds and shall nots, you knock down our words, so grace can flood into the world. When we gossip about the foolishness of our friends, you testify to us of their compassion and kindness. Forgive us, Giver of grace. Salvation is your gift to us, not something we can buy on sale. Joy is that seed you plant deep within us, so we may share the harvest with all we meet. Hope is the healing offered to our brokenness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: This is the good news: God anoints us with grace and peace, not so we can become better than others, but so we can be the servants of a hurting and hungering world.
People: We will go, taking the good news with us, testifying to all we meet, with our words, our hearts, our lives.
Thanks be to God, we are forgiven. Amen.

* GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH by The Bean Family

LIGHT THREE CANDLES
Light three candles. May they ever glow. All the humble sing aloud.
There is mercy for all those who know. And God scatters all the proud.
God gives good things to the hungry. But the rich are sent away.
Light three candles. Let them brightly burn. Oh, Lord Jesus, come today.

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 48 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE John 1:6-8, 19-28 New Testament Pages 91-92 in pew Bible

SERMON “KRISIS” by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

OFFERTORY Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht! by Sarah Czerney

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 41 O Come, All Ye Faithful

*BENEDICTION

* Please Stand
______________________________________________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Tirzah Presbyterian Church in Waxhaw, NC and its 70 members

PLEASE NOTE that the Christmas Music Night previously scheduled for Friday, December 16, has been cancelled.

OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Al Williams. Al passed away on Friday. A memorial service will be held tomorrow at 11:00 am here at the church followed by a time to greet his family in the Vaughan Room. You may go by Hartley’s Funeral Home any time after 12:30 today if you wish to.

Also, OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY is extended to the family of Margaret Rose “Meg” Fought. “Meg” passed away on December 5, 2011. A memorial service was held yesterday at the Mineral Springs United Methodist Church.

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS
Building Fund
In memory of Faye Manus Privette given by Jay and Lynne Jones
In memory of Faye Manus Privette given by Richard and Linda Vaughan

GREETERS AND USHERS: Jeff and RoseMary Bean
______________________________________________________________________
Tomorrow Morning

On behalf of your Session, I would like to express our appreciation to each one of you for helping with Al’s memorial service which is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. Many of you are assisting with food preparation, parking, moving chairs and greeting the many family and guests that will be joining us from around the country.

I would like to make the following requests that will help to assist in the preparations for the service.

1) In order to ensure adequate accommodations for all family and guests, sitting arrangements have been planned in advanced. One half of the sanctuary will be taken just for family members. Claudia will be brought in early and seated by the piano. I would like to ask all of you, along with any of your family and friends that will be attending, to sit in the Fellowship Hall.

2) We need as many choir members as can attend to be seated in the choir area, not in the congregation. We will have at least two or possibly three TV monitors broadcasting the service in the Fellowship Hall and the Vaughan Room. All the selected hymns will be printed in the service program.

3) After the service, the families will receive their guests in the Vaughan Room (around 12:30). Subsequently (around 1:00), a private meal will then be served to family members only in the Fellowship Hall. For those bringing food, please drop it off at the back door. Parking will be available across the road or at the Community Center.

4) The men of the church will be handling parking and transportation from the road in front of Laine and Sam’s house to the church and from the Community Center to the church. Jay Teager has already made arrangements with Hartley Funeral Home to assist with parking. Please do not park in the church parking lot. There will be empty spaces in front and to the side of the sanctuary however these are for the family members returning from the cemetery. Al’s graveside service is for family only and they will be arriving here just before 11:00 a.m.

5) Once the sanctuary to Randy’s right is filled, please welcome, greet and speak to everyone as they approach the church and usher them into the overflow areas of the Vaughan Room.

6) Please, please sing. We have a very gifted organist, Tim Smith, playing for us tomorrow and we have selected several beautiful hymns that will help us to fill our sanctuary with joyful sounds of thanksgiving for the extraordinary life of our Elder and friend – Al Williams.
Randy McSpadden

PRELUDE by Rob Johns, Pianist

HYMNS by Camille Dunlap, Pianist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH
Tommy Broome, Liturgist

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: You come to us, alive and present in that Word clothed in human flesh,
People: so we might hear those songs about forgiveness, echoing with joy.
Leader: You come to us, Shepherd of God’s people, feeding us with your peace,
People: so we might go out and offer the bread of hope to all the lost.
Leader: You come to us, Spirit of comfort, welcoming us into the kingdom,
People: where righteousness is our best friend, where justice lives right next door.

*HYMN No. 5 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: We can no longer play dumb. We not only know the lives we are called to lead, we are well aware of how we fail – through our words as well as our silence, by our deeds and our unwillingness to act. Let us confess to the God who comes to us,
People: You call us home to live with you, Comfort of the lost, but we are too busy right now to listen. We flock to the stores run by temptation and seduction, seeking the best prices. We rush to judge everyone around us, but ask you to be more patient with our repeated errors. We feast at the table piled high with broken promises and drink from the cup of fading dreams. Yet you continue to cry out to us, Broken Heart, speaking to us of your love. Forgiveness is the gift for every moment, not just one day; hope is our constant companion as we journey with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is your Messenger of mercy. Amen.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: At the beginning, at the end, and in every time between, the good news speaks to us of God’s tender mercy and love for us.
People: God comes! Not to punish, but to gift us with peace, not to judge, but to save us. Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 2-B)

* GLORIA PATRI No. 579

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH by Trudy and Virginia Massey Walker

LIGHT TWO CANDLES
Light two candles, every burning bright. Jesse’s branch with fruit will show.
For the Spirit of the Lord will light upon all of those who know.
Wolf and lamb will live together. And together they will feed.
Light two candles. Let them brightly burn. And a little child will lead.

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 20 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE II Peter 3:8-15a New Testament Page 238 in pew Bible

SERMON — DARK TIMES by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

OFFERTORY Rob Johns

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 8 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

*BENEDICTION

* Please Stand

________________________________________

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Tues., Dec. 6 7:00 pm Crime Watch Meeting
7:30 pm Community Development Club Meeting
Finalize plans for Parade and Lighting the Way, Decorate Community Building

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Chester, SC and its 76 members.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
The Presbyterian Women plan to have Bible Study on Mondays at 10:00 am beginning the first of the year. It will be open to men and women of the church and community. So that the materials may be ordered we need to know how many to plan for. If you would like to attend this study, please add you name to the sign-up sheet on the table in the foyer or talk with Carol Johns. Thanks.

OPEN HOUSE
The staff of Providence Presbytery cordially invites you to its open house on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Presbytery Office, 515 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill. Refreshments will be served. Please let them know by November 30 if you plan to attend, but feel free to drop by if your plans change. 1-800-922-1609, 803-328-6269, iglasgow@providencepres.org

GREETERS AND USHERS: Jeff and RoseMary Bean

PRELUDE by Janesta Williams, Organist

THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH Ron Stephany, Liturgist

MINUTE FOR STEWARDSHIP Linda Vaughan, Treasurer

ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In every season of life,
People: God is always with us, even when we believe otherwise.
Leader: In this season of waiting,
People: Jesus reminds us that Bethlehem is the beginning of our discipleship, not the end of the journey.
Leader: In this season of Advent anticipation and hope,
People: the Spirit opens our ears to the songs of the angels.

*HYMN No. 9 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Leader: In this season of hope, love, joy and peace – how often do people receive these gifts from us? As we begin our journey through Advent, let us put down those failures and foolish behaviors which keep us from getting very far. Join me as we pray, saying,
Leader: Holy God of Advent, you come near to us yet we continue to seal our hearts with indifference to a suffering world.
People: Tear open our hearts, and make us more compassionate.
Leader: You approach us with bundles of mercy to kindle our hope, but we continue to build our lives with the bricks of bitterness.
People: Tear open our anger, so we might become more forgiving.
Leader: You draw near, longing to embrace us, but we fold our arms, closing ourselves off from those all around us.
People: Tear open our souls, so we might become children of Advent.
Leader: God, shaper-of-our-lives:
People: have mercy;
Leader: Jesus, Word-which-does-not-pass-away:
People: fill us with your grace;
Leader: Holy Spirit, Giver-of-the-Light-of-peace:
People: Shine through our lives.

*KYRIE ELEISON
Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us, Lord, have mercy upon us. Amen

* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Even now, God approaches us, mercy transcending anger, hope overcoming despair, life triumphing over death. This is good news, my friends; this is news of great joy for each of us.
People: Enriched in every grace, blessed with joy and hope, transformed by love, we will live as people of Advent. Thanks be to God.
All: Amen.
(Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 1-B)

* GLORIA PATRI No. 579

ANTHEM How Will We Know Him? by the Adult Choir

MOMENT WITH THE CHILDREN by Pat Oglesby

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH by The Cook Family – Sarah, Nadir, Geneieve, Chloe, Krista and David

LIGHT ONE CANDLE
Light one candle. May the Season start as decreed in the last days.
Zion’s laws dwell with-in every heart so that we may know God’s ways.
Let us beat swords into plowshares. Let us cause all wars to cease.
Light one candle. Let it brightly burn. O, Lord, may we find your peace.

HEARING GOD’S WORD

*HYMN No. 2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
(Please pass prayer cards to the end of the pew so they may be collected as we sing.)

SCRIPTURE I Corinthians I:3-9 New Testament Page I66 in pew Bible

SERMON PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS by Rev. McSpadden

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE OFFERING

*THE DOXOLOGY No. 592

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 510 Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

*BENEDICTION

* Please Stand

________________________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

As we pray today we will be remembering Rock Hill First Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC and its 386 members.

STEWARDSHIP OFFERING FOR 2012: Last Sunday during the Stewardship Offering for 2012, a number of offering cards were received. If you have not turned in your 2012 Stewardship Offering Card, it can be dropped in the offering plate, given to Treasurer Linda Vaughan or mailed to her at PO Box 65, Van Wyck. If you have misplaced your card, they are available on the vestibule table.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY: The Presbyterian Women plan to have Bible Study on Mondays at 10:00 am beginning the first of the year. It will be open to men and women of the church and community. So that the materials may be ordered we need to know how many to plan for. If you would like to attend this study, please add you name to the sign-up sheet on the table in the foyer or talk with Carol Johns or Janesta. Thanks.

OPEN HOUSE: The staff of Providence Presbytery cordially invites you to its open house on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Presbytery Office, 515 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill. Refreshments will be served. Please let them know by November 30 if you plan to attend, but feel free to drop by if your plans change. 1-800-922-1609, 803-328-6269, iglasgow@providencepres.org

CHURCH DIRECTORY:
Please make these corrections in your directory:
George Williams’ cell phone number is 803-804-7993
Jack and Shirley’s last name is Wilt.

RECENT MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS:
Tree Fund
In memory of Martha Sims given by Alex and William Sims
In memory of Danny Sims given by Alex and William Sims

DIMES FOR HUNGER: The total received this year for Dimes for Hunger was $1,500.00. Last year our total was $1,230.00. Thank you for your generous support.

GREETERS AND USHERS: Richard and Linda Vaughan